Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) helps run running back drills during pregame warmups before the preseason week four game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019.(Photo: Sam Greene)

“At the end of the day, it shows the trust-factor they have in me,” Bernard said, “especially with the new staff – coach Taylor having trust in me as well. They want me to be part of this team for a lot longer, to be that role model.”

Said Taylor: “He’s consistent every day with his approach. You know what you’re going to get from the player. He’s very detailed in his craft. He’s a good runner. He’s a good receiver. He’s a good protector. He fits all three of those traits you want in a running back, particularly a No. 1 running back.

“(Joe Mixon) gets the brunt of stuff. (Bernard is) just a dependable guy who’s always been reliable and goes about the right way and set a great example for the other players on the team.”

Taylor’s running game remains largely under wraps. Bernard got four carries in the preseason. Mixon got one. And the flavor of every play was vanilla.

“Yeah, for sure, we definitely held back plenty,” Bernard said. “Obviously, we’ve run it all in practice. We say ‘we wish we could run this play in the game.’ Coach Taylor has his playlist. We’re excited for this week because we have those plays we really enjoy running. It’s an opportunity for us to show everybody what we’ve been doing the whole time.”

Mixon will be the featured back, but Bernard will likely get plenty of touches, especially on third down. He’s curious to see what his exact role is.

"We’ll find out," he said. "I’ve been a guy that when opportunities arise, I make plays. I can’t determine how many touches I get. I can’t determine where I am on the field. I can’t determine any of that. The biggest thing is when I’m on the field, give 100 percent effort and help my team."

Bernard, 27, is in his seventh year. He was not worried about the contract.

“I didn’t really think about it at all,” Bernard said. “I’m not really a numbers guy. All I can really worry is what I can do on the field. My agent is one who takes care of all that. That’s why you hire these people. They take care of all that pressure.”